Tag: Roosevelt Roberts

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler,’ Episode 8 recap: Did Conor McGregor avoid clean sweep?

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” returns as Conor McGregor looks to avoid a sweep and the final quarterfinal ends in wild fashion.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 8 as two fighters head to be examined by the UFC’s chief physician before a lightweight fight ends quickly.

On Episode 8, the matchup between seasoned veteran [autotag]Hunter Azure[/autotag] and up-and-comer [autotag]Rico DiSciullo[/autotag], as Team McGregor seeks to avoid a clean sweep – and the fight ends in wild fashion.

The season runs from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.

Scroll below for a recap of Episode 8 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler’ Episode 7 recap: Two injury exams and another quick finish

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” returns as two fighters need medical evaluations before Conor McGregor’s team tries to avoid a clean sweep.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 7 as two fighters head to be examined by the UFC’s chief physician before a lightweight fight ends quickly.

On Episode 7, the matchup between seasoned veteran [autotag]Jason Knight[/autotag] and up-and-comer [autotag]Landon Quinones[/autotag], as Team McGregor seeks its first win over the season after six straight losses.

The season runs from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.

Scroll below for a recap of Episode 7 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: The sweet taste of victory – and devastating Conor McGregor

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting more eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 6, which featured his first bout on the series, below.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler’ Episode 5 recap: A ‘diva’ and ‘unfinished fights’ spark frustration

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler” returned as internal frustration built among one team, and Conor McGregor lost his cool.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 5 as the anger begins to mount internally on one team – and externally through the second team’s coach.

On Episode 5, the matchup between [autotag]Brad Katona[/autotag] and [autotag]Carlos Vera[/autotag] finally happens after a disagreement and negotiations between coaches from each team pertaining to the weight class.

The season runs from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.

Scroll below for a recap of Episode 5 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from “TUF 31” cast member Kurt Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler’ Episode 1 recap: One of the fastest KOs in TUF history

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler ” kicked off with a bang as one of the series’ all-time quickest finishes happened.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” kicked off in style with its debut episode Tuesday on ESPN.

The season is set to run from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.

On the premiere episode, McGregor and Chandler meet face to face and exchange words before they draft teams. The season kicks off with one of the fastest knockouts in the series’ history.

Scroll below for a recap of Episode 1 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from TUF 31 cast member Kurt Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023

It’s hard to make it to the UFC once, let alone a second time, but these fighters have a chance in 2023.

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.

In recent memory, others like Brandon Davis, Jesse Ronson, Nicolas Dalby, Chase Sherman, Sean Soriano, and Dustin Jacoby have reinforced the possibility.

With the new year upon us, here are 16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ rosters revealed, includes eight former UFC fighters

Check out the 16 fighters who made the cut for “TUF 31” – including eight former UFC fighters.

“The Ultimate Fighter” is back for a 31st season, which will be coached by lightweight stars [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag].

Set to debut May 30 on ESPN and run until Aug. 15, the series will include men’s bantamweights and lightweights, as first reported on MMA Junkie’s “Spinning Back Clique.” Filming began in February in Las Vegas.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will square off after the conclusion of the series at a date and location yet-to-be-determined.

In addition to an announcement of rosters Saturday, the promotion announced the upcoming season will have a theme of “Redemption,” which pins former UFC fighters against rising prospects.

Dozens of fighters applied and only 16 were selected. Scroll below to see who made the cut.

Eagle FC 47: Best photos from Miami

Check out these photos from Eagle FC 47 which took place at FLXcast Arena in Miami.

Check out these photos from Eagle FC 47 at FLXcast Arena in Miami, which was headlined by Junior Dos Santos vs. Yorgan De Castro. (Photos courtesy of Eagle FC)

 

Eagle FC 47 official weigh-ins photos: JDS looking ripped

Eagle FC 47 weigh-ins took place Thursday, featuring UFC alums Junior Dos Santos, Yorgan De Castro, Hector Lombard, Thiago Silva, and more.

Check out these photos from the Eagle FC 47 official weigh-ins at the FLXcast Arena. (Photos courtesy of Ryan Loco, Eagle FC).

Roosevelt Roberts, five others among most recent UFC departures

The UFC roster is six fighters smaller with Roosevelt Roberts and five others departing the promotion in recent days.

Six more fighters have parted ways with the UFC.

Multiple people with knowledge of the situation recently informed MMA Junkie of the roster moves but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion hasn’t made an official announcement. The roster changes were first confirmed by MMA Fighting after the fighters were moved to the “former fighters” section of the UFC’s website.

Check out the recent UFC departures below. The roster moves, unless explicitly noted, are not necessarily a “cut.” The UFC may have elected not to re-sign certain fighters who were at the end of their contracts.